Stressful life issues, such as serious financial or relationship problems

People who try to commit suicide are often trying to get away from a situation that seems impossible to deal with. Many who make a suicide attempt are seeking relief from:

Feeling ashamed, guilty, or like a burden to others

Feeling like a victim

Feelings of rejection, loss, or loneliness

Suicidal behaviors may occur when there is a situation or event that the person finds overwhelming, such as:

Aging (the elderly have the highest rate of suicide)

Death of a loved one

Drug or alcohol use

Emotional trauma

Serious physical illness

Unemployment or money problems

Risk factors for suicide in teenagers include:

Access to guns

Family member who committed suicide

History of hurting themselves on purpose

History of being neglected or abused

Living in communities where there have been recent outbreaks of suicide in young people

Romantic breakup

Most suicide attempts do not result in death. Many of these attempts are done in a way that makes rescue possible. These attempts are often a cry for help.

Some people attempt suicide in a way that is less likely to be fatal, such as poisoning or overdose. Men are more likely to choose violent methods, such as shooting themselves. As a result, suicide attempts by men are more likely to result in death.

Relatives of people who attempt or commit suicide often blame themselves or become very angry. They may see the suicide attempt as selfish. However, people who try to commit suicide often mistakenly believe that they are doing their friends and relatives a favor by taking themselves out of the world.